Berkshire Orthopedics LLC

A Division of Keystone Orthopaedic Specialists, LLC

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Who Is a Candidate for Knee Replacement Surgery?

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Knee pain stemming from arthritis or another condition can significantly impact one’s quality of life. If you are living with persistent knee discomfort that interferes with your daily activities, you may be wondering: Who is a candidate for knee replacement surgery? In this article, we will outline factors that orthopedic surgeons take into consideration when determining whether knee replacement is the right course of treatment for a particular patient.

Who Is a Candidate for Knee Replacement Surgery?

When assessing who is a candidate for knee replacement, orthopedic surgeons look at a number of different individual factors. The patient’s level of pain and disability are considered, along with their overall health condition, age and activity level. A few common reasons why a physician may recommend knee replacement surgery include:

  • Severe knee pain or stiffness has not improved with conservative treatment and continues to significantly limit the patient’s mobility and ability to perform daily tasks
  • Swelling and inflammation in the patient’s knee have not been adequately resolved by medications, physical therapy and/or taking time off from activities
  • The patient experiences chronic knee pain even while resting
  • A knee deformity, such as a bowed knee, is present

The majority of patients who undergo knee replacement surgery experience a dramatic decrease in their knee symptoms and, in turn, considerable improvement in their mobility and ability to lead a normal life. While knee replacement surgery is most commonly performed on individuals over the age of 50, patients of any age may be a candidate for this procedure, if their symptoms warrant it.

Dr. Stephen Soffer Provides World-Class Surgical & Nonsurgical Knee Care

Hopefully, this article has offered helpful information on whether knee replacement surgery may be beneficial for you. If you are located in or near Reading, PA, you can depend on Dr. Stephen Soffer to suggest a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs & to provide cutting-edge orthopedic care.

Dr. Soffer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with years of experience who completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine with world renowned Sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Dr. Soffer will use state-of-the-art diagnostic methods to evaluate your knee condition. Furthermore, he will carefully take your personal situation into account to help you decide whether knee replacement is appropriate for you at this time, or if another treatment is a better option. To schedule an appointment to address your lingering knee symptoms with Dr. Soffer, call our office today at 610-375-4949.

Restrictions After Meniscus Surgery: What to Expect

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The menisci are cartilaginous discs found in both of your knees, where the thigh and shin bones meet. By absorbing shock and cushioning the knee, the menisci help to support and stabilize the joint. When a meniscus tear occurs, it can result in drastically reduced knee function, with common symptoms including pain and swelling, knee instability and trouble bending/straightening the affected leg. If surgical intervention is recommended to treat a torn meniscus, it is important that the patient learn about restrictions after meniscus surgery which may apply to them. This article will explore possible limitations which one might have while recovering from meniscus surgery.

Restrictions After Meniscus Surgery: What to Expect

In some cases, a meniscus tear may be successfully treated using conservative treatments. In particular, smaller tears and those located on the outer edge of the meniscus are more likely to respond to first-line therapies such as resting, icing and taking medication to relieve pain & swelling.

If a meniscus tear does not improve with conservative treatment, the patient may be advised to consider surgery. Here are some general guidelines on meniscus surgery rehabilitation:

  • The length of your recovery and your particular restrictions after meniscus surgery will largely depend on the type of surgery required to heal your knee. If your meniscus tear can be treated with a partial/total meniscectomy (in which part or all of your meniscus is removed), you can expect a shorter recovery time.
  • After a meniscectomy, most patients are able to begin bearing weight/walking within a week after surgery. At-home physical therapy exercises are typically recommended, and most patients are approved to resume their normal activities within 4-6 weeks.
  • If meniscus repair is necessary, recovery is likely to be longer and more involved. Following this type of meniscus surgery, a knee brace is generally used to stabilize the knee. Typically, keeping weight off the operated knee is a key goal in the weeks following meniscus repair. Thus, you will likely be instructed to use crutches for at least a month after this procedure.
  • Physical therapy is another important part of recovery following surgical meniscus repair. Your orthopedic surgeon will provide a timeline for when you should begin physical therapy, which will help to restore range of motion and strengthen your knee.

This outline provides a look at what the meniscus surgery recovery process typically entails. However, it is important to keep in mind that every patient is different. Your recovery time may vary depending on individual factors, including your age and the severity of your knee injury.

Trust Dr. Soffer for Expert, Patient-Focused Knee Care

Do you suspect that you may have sustained a meniscus tear? Seeking professional treatment promptly is vital to speed your recovery. For those located in and around Reading, PA, Dr. Stephen Soffer provides advanced orthopedic care with an emphasis on using the least invasive treatment methods  possible.

Among his achievements, Dr. Soffer completed a fellowship in sports medicine with world-renowned sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews. His extensive training and compassionate approach make him qualified to provide the very best surgical and nonsurgical knee care. To schedule an appointment to discuss your treatment options with Dr. Soffer, call our office at 610-375-4949.

How Your Orthopedic Specialist Makes a Sprained Ankle Diagnosis

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sprained ankle diagnosis

In your ankle, there are numerous ligaments which serve to help keep the ankle/foot bones in place and provide stability to the joint. When one or more of these ligaments is stretched excessively, it can cause them to tear – thus leading to a sprained ankle. Ranging from mild to severe, depending on the amount of damage done to the ligaments, ankle sprains are among the most common orthopedic injuries. This article will explore the steps used by an orthopedic specialist to make a sprained ankle diagnosis.

How Your Orthopedic Specialist Makes a Sprained Ankle Diagnosis

In many cases, ankle sprains can be resolved over the course of a few weeks using at-home treatment methods such as resting and applying ice. However, more severe sprains may require professional treatment in order to ensure proper healing and avoid long-term issues. Failure to seek prompt treatment for a more severe sprain may lead to lasting ankle instability, bone damage, chronic pain or even arthritis later on. Further, the ankle may be weakened, thus making it more susceptible to reinjury.

If your ankle becomes extremely swollen, painful and unable to bear weight, it is advisable to see an orthopedic specialist right away. These symptoms may indicate a more severe sprain or an ankle fracture. To diagnose your injury and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment, your orthopedic doctor will perform a thorough physical examination of your ankle and foot. This exam will likely include:

  • Pressing on various parts of the ankle to determine which ligaments are involved in the injury
  • Moving the ankle in different directions to evaluate range of motion

To make a definitive sprained ankle diagnosis and determine the extent of ligament damage, your orthopedic physician may also order imaging tests such as an X-ray, ultrasound or MRI scan. These imaging technologies will help your doctor pinpoint the type, location and severity of the foot/ankle injury you have sustained.

Rely On Dr. Soffer for World-Class Ankle Care in Berks County, PA

If you are experiencing sprained ankle symptoms such as swelling, bruising, tenderness and/or ankle instability, Dr. Stephen Soffer can help you find the right treatment method to resolve your injury. Proud to provide expert care to patients of all ages, Dr. Soffer is an experienced orthopedic surgeon & sports medicine physician. He completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine with world renowned Sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews, and he offers a full range of conservative treatments for orthopedic injuries, as well as cutting-edge surgical options.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer, please call our office at 610-375-4949. We look forward to helping you get back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Shoulder Surgery Recovery Timeline: What to Expect After Rotator Cuff Surgery and More

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Marked by symptoms such as pain, decreased range of motion and weakness in the shoulder joint, rotator cuff tears can be highly uncomfortable and disruptive to a patient’s daily activities. Anti-inflammatory medications & physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms in many cases. But, in the event that conservative methods fail to provide full relief, rotator cuff surgery may be recommended as the next step in treatment. This article will provide an overview of the shoulder surgery recovery timeline patients can generally expect after undergoing surgical rotator cuff repair.

Shoulder Surgery Recovery Timeline: What to Expect After Rotator Cuff Surgery and More

If you have had limited success with first-line rotator cuff tear treatments and are now considering surgery, it’s important to become familiar with what the procedure & post-operative recovery typically entail. While every patient’s recovery timeline will be slightly different, here are some guidelines on what you can reasonably anticipate:

  • Prior to the day of surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will provide instructions on how to prepare. Generally, surgical rotator cuff repair is performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting. The surgery may take 1-1.5 hours, depending on how severe the tear is and how much repair work is required. When complete, a sling will be placed on your operated arm, and you will be moved to a postoperative recovery room. Typically, an overnight stay is not required.
  • In the days following rotator cuff surgery, you can expect to experience some pain & swelling in your shoulder. Elevating the arm, taking prescribed pain relievers and intermittently icing your shoulder will help keep you comfortable.
  • For the first 4-6 weeks after surgery, you will be instructed to limit the use of your operated arm to prevent inflammation & scar tissue buildup. Around this time, your surgeon will likely clear you to remove your sling. Starting physical therapy at this point is also crucial to help rebuild your shoulder strength, increase your range of motion and minimize the chance of reinjury.
  • Approximately 4-6 months after rotator cuff repair, you can expect to complete the rehabilitation process. Your exact shoulder surgery recovery timeline will depend on a combination of factors, including the severity of your rotator cuff injury and the speed at which your body naturally heals.

Create a Personalized Rotator Cuff Treatment Plan with Dr. Soffer 

Rotator cuff tears can result from acute injury, or due to degeneration of the tendon over time. In either case, it is important to seek professional care early on to prevent worsening symptoms and speed your recovery.

Proud to provide patients in the Reading, PA area with cutting-edge orthopedic care, Dr. Stephen Soffer specializes in minimally invasive arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. He was the first surgeon to do arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs in Berks County, and he teaches courses to other surgeons on how to do this surgery. He also provides the full range of nonsurgical treatments for rotator cuff injuries & other orthopedic issues. If you are eager to get relief from your shoulder discomfort, call our office at 610-375-4949 today to schedule an in-person or telemedicine appointment with Dr. Soffer.

Meniscus Injury Prevention Tips

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The meniscus is a rubbery, C-shaped piece of cartilage that helps to cushion and stabilize the bones in the knee joint. While the meniscus is built to absorb shock, it can tear if the knee is suddenly & forcefully rotated or twisted. For patients of all ages, following meniscus injury prevention guidelines is advised to help strengthen the muscles which support the knee, thus protecting against meniscus tears. In this article, we’ll offer simple tips that can help lower your chances of sustaining a meniscus injury.

Meniscus Injury Prevention Tips

By incorporating the following meniscus injury prevention strategies into your daily routine, you can effectively reduce your risk of experiencing this common cartilage injury:

  • Don’t try to “push through” knee pain – If you experience knee discomfort, take time off from activities to rest. Attempting to work through knee pain/soreness can add inflammation and make the joint more susceptible to injury.
  • Add dynamic stretching to your routine – Before & after exercising, get in the habit of doing dynamic stretches. These are stretches which involve moving your muscles & joints through their full range of motion in a smooth, controlled fashion.
  • Choose your footwear wisely – Shoes worn for athletics should fit properly, have good traction and provide adequate support.
  • Increase the intensity of your workouts at an even pace – Trying to advance too quickly can put excessive strain on your muscles, potentially resulting in a meniscus tear or another orthopedic injury.

While taking steps to maintain strong, balanced knees can help prevent meniscus tears, they can still occur – especially during activities which involve running or jumping. Common indicators of a torn meniscus include a popping noise at the time of injury, persistent knee pain, swelling and difficulty bending/straightening the affected leg.

Reading, PA Patients Rely On Dr. Soffer for Exceptional Orthopedic Care 

If you believe you may have sustained a meniscus injury, you can count on Dr. Stephen Soffer to help you get on the road to recovery. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Soffer excels in performing arthroscopic meniscus repair surgery. He also offers advanced conservative treatments for orthopedic injuries, which may be sufficient to provide relief and promote healing in certain cases.

Whether or not your injury necessitates surgery, Dr. Soffer has the skills and experience needed to help you recover & resolve your symptoms. To determine the most appropriate course of treatment for you, he will take your age, activity level and the characteristics of your injury into account. Call our office today at 610-375-4949 to arrange an appointment with Dr. Soffer – in person or via telemedicine.

Carpal Tunnel Release: Recovery Time and More

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carpal tunnel release recovery

Caused by pressure on the median nerve, carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by pain, numbness and tingling in the hand/arm. Often aggravated by spending long hours working on a computer, this condition can cause great discomfort and affect one’s ability to perform their job, hobbies and everyday tasks. Fortunately, a range of treatments are available to help alleviate symptoms, including carpal tunnel release surgery. When considering this treatment, it is important to be aware of what the recovery process entails. This article will outline the general carpal tunnel release recovery timeline and specify other important things to know.

Carpal Tunnel Release: Recovery Time and More

While carpal tunnel can often be effectively managed with nonsurgical methods like medication, physical therapy, steroid injections and activity adjustments, surgery is sometimes necessary. Here’s what you can generally anticipate for recovery, should you decide to undergo carpal tunnel release surgery:

  • 2 Weeks After Surgery – About 2 weeks after surgery, you will return to your orthopedic surgeon’s office to have your stitches & bandages removed. Your provider may recommend physical therapy to ease stiffness and improve range of motion in your operated hand. Additionally, you may be advised to wear a splint or wrist brace for a few weeks post surgery.
  • 2-4 Weeks After Surgery – In the first few weeks of carpal tunnel release recovery, it is normal to notice pain & soreness in your palm. Rest assured that this discomfort typically lessens significantly by the one-month mark. By this time, you should be able to gradually resume light daily activities, with permission from your doctor.
  • 4 Weeks After Surgery – You should be well on your way to regaining full mobility in your fingers. Working with a physical therapist, many patients are able to achieve this milestone within a month after carpal tunnel release surgery.
  • 6-8 Weeks After Surgery – By this point, your physician will likely have cleared you to resume work, hobbies and athletic activities. Keep in mind that you may still experience palm sensitivity & soreness at times. Grip strength is typically restored within 2-3 months after surgery, but it can take longer for some patients. As you regain full grip strength, you may have trouble opening doors or food jars.
  • 1 Year After Surgery – Most patients notice a dramatic improvement in their symptoms by this point. However, be advised that it could take longer to experience the full benefits of the surgery, especially if another condition such as arthritis also affects your operated wrist.

Ultimately, the carpal tunnel release recovery timeline will be slightly different for every patient. Factors which can affect one’s recovery include age, presence of other conditions, overall health status and adherence to post-operative guidelines.

See Dr. Soffer for Expert Orthopedic Care in Berks County

Carpal tunnel can be very uncomfortable. Fortunately, this common condition is treatable. If you are experiencing carpal tunnel symptoms, it is important to see an orthopedic surgeon early on to prevent your condition from worsening and to expedite your recovery.

Known as the orthopedic doctor Berks County patients can depend on, Dr. Stephen Soffer provides cutting-edge treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome and other orthopedic conditions. Drawing on years of experience, Dr. Soffer is determined to help every patient find a personalized solution for their orthopedic issues. If you are eager to resolve your symptoms and get back to doing what you love, call our office at 610-375-4949 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer.

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